EP4610584A1

EP4610584A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: EP4610584A1
Application number: EP23914958.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Younghun Son
Original assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Current assignee: LG Electronics Inc
Priority date: 2023-01-04
Filing date: 2023-12-06
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: EP4610584A4; WO2024147495A1; KR20240109473A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator comprising: a cabinet forming a storage space; a main control unit provided in the cabinet; a door that opens/closes the storage space; a display device provided on the door and connected to the main control unit; and electrical components provided in the door, wherein the display device is connected to the main control unit by a main wire passing through the door, and at least one of the electrical components is connected to the display device by a sub wire and receives power and signals from the main control unit through the display device.

Description

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

[Background Art]

In general, home appliances are electrical appliances used in the home, and may include washing machines, refrigerators, or the like.
Typically, a refrigerator is a home appliance that can store food at a low temperature in an internal storage space that is shielded by a refrigerator door and is configured to store stored food in an optimal condition by cooling the inner part of the storage space using cold air generated through heat exchange with a refrigerant that circulates a refrigeration cycle.
In this way, refrigerators are gradually becoming larger and more multifunctional in line with the changing eating habits and the trend toward higher quality products, and refrigerators equipped with various structures and convenient devices that take user convenience into consideration are being released.
The door of the refrigerator may be equipped with a number of electrical components that perform various functions, and components such as a display that indicates the operation of the refrigerator may be arranged to increase the user's convenience.
However, as the number of electrical components in the door increases, the number of electric wires connected to supply power and control them also increases. Therefore, there is a problem of reduced assembly and productivity.
Additionally, the electric wires extend from the door to the main body, and as the number of electric wires increases, there is a problem of the electric wires being disconnected when the door is opened or closed.
In addition, in order for a number of electric wires to be exposed to the outside of the door, the size of the door opening must be increased, which causes problems such as impaired outer appearance or requiring additional shielding structure.

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of minimizing the number of electric wires between a door and a cabinet.
An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of connecting electrical components inside a door using a display device provided on the door.
An object of an embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of connecting electric wires of electrical components inside a door from the upper end of the door.

[Technical Solution]

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet forming a storage space; a main control part provided in the cabinet; a door opening and closing the storage space; a display device provided in the door and connected to the main control part; and an electrical component provided in the door; in which the display device may be connected to the main control part by a main-electric wire passing through the door, and in which at least one of the electrical components may be connected to the display device by a sub-electric wire and receives power and signals from the main control part through the display device.
The number of main-electric wires may be provided smaller than the number of sub-electric wires.
The display device may include a display; a sub-control part controlling the display; a main-connector which is provided on the sub-control part and to which the main-electric wire is connected; and a sub-connector provided on the sub-control part and to which the sub-electric wire is connected.
The number of sub-connectors may be formed greater than the number of main-connectors.
The main-connector may be configured as a single connector and the sub-connector may be configured as a plurality of connectors.
A hinge connected to the cabinet may be provided at the upper end of the door, and the main-connector and the sub-connector may be both provided at an upper end of the sub-control part, and the main-electric wire may be guided along the hinge.
The door may include a front panel forming a front surface; a door liner disposed at a rear side spaced from the front panel and forming a rear surface; a frame connecting between the front panel and the door liner; and an insulating material filled in a space between the front panel, the door liner, and the frame; and the display device may be mounted on the frame, and the main-electric wire and the sub-electric wire may be connected to the display device at the frame.
The frame may include a first surface contacting the front panel, and a second surface extending rearwardly at a position lower than an upper end of the first surface and is coupled with the door liner, and a recessed display mounting part may be formed on the second surface so that the display device is inserted therein.
The display device may protrude upward more than the display mounting part, and the main-electric wire and the sub-electric wire may be connected to an upper end of the display device exposed to the outside of the frame.
A frame cover that shields the display device, the main-electric wire, and the sub-electric wire may be provided at the frame.
A hinge mounting part on which a hinge connected to the cabinet is mounted may be formed on the frame, and an electric wire opening which opens to communicate with the hinge mounting part and through which the main-electric wire enters and exits may be formed at the frame cover.
The hinge mounting part may be formed on both sides of the frame, and the electric wire opening may be formed on both sides of the frame cover and communicate with the hinge mounting parts on both sides, respectively.
The front panel may be formed of a glass material, and the display device may be disposed to see through the front panel.
The electrical component may be at least one of a knock detection device for detecting a knock operation of the door, a detection switch for detecting the opening of the door, a communication device for wireless communication, and a sensor device.
The electrical component may be a heater that is provided in the door and generates heat to prevent condensation, and the heater may be directly connected to the main control part by a heater electric wire.
The electrical component may be a door light provided on the door to illuminate a rear space of the door, and the door light may be directly connected to the main control part by a light electric wire.
The door light may include a plurality of substrates equipped with LEDs, and the light electric wire may include a main signal line connected to one of the plurality of substrates, and a sub signal line connecting between the plurality of substrates and transmitting a signal input to the main signal line.
A plurality of door lights may be provided, the light electric wires may include a plurality of first light electric wires each connected to the plurality of door lights; and a second light electric wire connected to the main control part, and the plurality of first light electric wires may be joined by a light connector on the inside of the door and then connected to the second light electric wire.
The main-electric wire may include a first main-electric wire connected to the display device; and a second main-electric wire connected to the main control part, and the first main-electric wire and the second main-electric wire may be connected to each other by a connection connector on the inside of the door.

[Advantageous Effect]

The following effects can be expected from the refrigerator according to the proposed embodiment.
In a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, even when a number of electrical components are arranged inside the door, the number of electric wires entering and exiting the outside of the door can be reduced, thereby improving the assembling efficiency and reducing the manufacturing cost.
Since a plurality of electrical components equipped inside the door have a structure in which they are connected to a display device connected to the control part, control of a plurality of electrical components is possible simply by connecting the control part and the display device, so there is an advantage in that assembly efficiency is further improved.
By minimizing the number of electric wires passing through the door and heading to the cabinet side, the exposure of electric wires can be minimized, and the electric wire entry/exit structure can be simplified, thereby improving the outer appearance thereof.
In addition, by minimizing the number of electric wires passing through the door and heading to the cabinet, damage to the electric wires can be prevented when the door is opened and closed.
In addition, the configuration of a plurality of electrical components and a heater door light inside the door can be connected or separated by a plurality of electric wire through a connector on the frame at the upper end of the door, which has the advantage of improving both assembly efficiency and serviceability.
In addition, there is an advantage in that the number of signal lines flowing into the door can be reduced by connecting the main signal line to one of the multiple substrates that constitute the door light and connecting the sub-signal lines between the multiple substrates.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator as seen from the rear.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with the door open.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged drawing illustrating part A of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the upper part of the door as seen from the front.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the upper part of the door as seen from the rear.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the display device of the refrigerator.
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the electric wire connection state at the upper end of the door.
FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the electric wire layout of the door.
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the electric wire connection state of the door and cabinet.
FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating the electric wire connection state of a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the electric wiring connection state of the refrigerator.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the wiring connection state of the refrigerator.
FIG. 16 is a view schematically illustrating the wire connection state of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a clothing treatment device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the connection state of the main PCB, sub PCB, and electrical components with the door of the clothing treatment device open.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a clothing treatment device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the connection state of the main PCB, sub PCB, and electrical components with the door of the clothing treatment device open.

[Best Mode]

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments in which the idea of the present disclosure is presented, and other regressive disclosures or other embodiments included within the scope of the idea of the present disclosure can be easily proposed by adding, changing, deleting, or the like other components.
Before explanation, the direction is defined. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction in which the front surface of the door as illustrated in FIG. 1 faces may be defined as a front direction, the direction toward the cabinet based on the front surface of the door may be defined as a rear direction, the direction toward the floor surface on which the refrigerator is installed may be defined as a lower direction, and the direction away from the floor surface may be defined as an upper direction.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator as seen from the rear, FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the refrigerator with the door open, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged drawing illustrating part A of FIG. 3.
As illustrated in the drawing, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door 20 for opening and closing the storage space.
The cabinet 10 can have a storage space divided vertically. The storage space can be composed of a first storage compartment 11 and a second storage compartment 12 arranged below the first storage compartment 11. For example, the first storage compartment 11 can be a refrigerating compartment, and the second storage compartment 12 can be a freezing compartment.
The cabinet 10 may include a control part 15 that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the control part 15 may be placed on the upper part of the rear surface 14 of the cabinet 10. The control part 15 may be referred to as a main control part main PCB or a main body PCB.
In addition, a magnet 101 for detecting the door switch 43 provided in the first door 201 may be placed on the front surface of the cabinet 10.
The door 20 may include a first door 201 for opening and closing the first storage compartment 11 and a second door 202 for opening and closing the second storage compartment 12. For example, the first door 201 may be a refrigerating compartment door and the second door 202 may be a freezing compartment door.
The first door 201 and the second door 202 may be rotary doors that open and close the first storage compartment 11 and the second storage compartment 12 by rotation. In addition, the first door 201 may be connected to the cabinet 10 by a hinge 16. When the first door 201 is closed, the upper end of the first door 201 may be at a height corresponding to the upper end of the cabinet 10.
The hinge 16 may be provided on the front surface of the cabinet 10 and may protrude forward. A hinge shaft 162 may protrude from the front end of the hinge 16, and the hinge shaft 162 may be inserted into the upper end and the lower end of the first door 201 to become a rotation shaft of the first door 201.
Meanwhile, a hinge mounting part 253 on which the hinge 16 is mounted may be formed on the upper end of the first door 201. The hinge mounting part 253 may be formed on the upper frame 25 forming the upper surface of the first door 201. A hinge hole 253A into which the hinge shaft 162 is inserted may be formed on the hinge mounting part 253. In addition, the hinge mounting part 253 may be recessed to accommodate the hinge 16 protruding when the first door 201 is closed.
In addition, a main-electric wire 50 connected to a display device 30 provided in the first door 201 can be entered and exited through the upper end of the first door 201. The main-electric wire 50 can be entered and exited through the hinge mounting part 253. In addition, the main-electric wire 50 that comes out through the hinge mounting part 253 can be guided to the cabinet 10 along the hinge 16.
For example, the hinge 16 may include a hinge body 161 extending from the cabinet 10, a hinge shaft 162 protruding from the hinge body 161 and axially coupled to the first door 201, and a hinge cover 163 accommodating the hinge body 161. In addition, an opening 164 is formed in the hinge cover 163, and the main-electric wire 50 may be entered and exited into the hinge cover 163 through the opening 164 and guided into the cabinet 10. In addition, the main-electric wire 50 guided into the cabinet 10 may be connected to the control part 15.
A panel assembly 21, 22 that allows the storage space to be seen through may be arranged on the first door 201. Through the panel assembly, a user may view food stored in the storage space or the door basket 203 on the rear surface of the first door 201. The panel assembly can be selectively seen through by turning on and off a door light 27 to be described below. For example, the panel assembly may include a front panel 21 forming the front surface of the first door 201, and a rear panel 22 arranged behind the front panel 21. In addition, an insulating space may be formed between the front panel 21 and the rear panel 22.
The first door 201 may be equipped with a display device 30. The display device 30 may be shielded by the panel assembly and configured to be visible through the panel assembly. The display device 30 may be positioned adjacent to the upper end of the first door 201.
The display device 30 can display the operating state of the refrigerator 1 as well as output various information. In addition, the display device 30 can be configured to be touch-operable. Accordingly, selection of information and selection of an output method can be made through the display device 30. In addition, the operation of the refrigerator can be input and manipulated through the display device 30.
Below, the structure of the first door 201 and the display device 30 will be examined in more detail with reference to the drawings.
Hereinafter, the description will be centered on the first door 201, but the present disclosure is not limited to the type or location of the door and can be applied to all doors equipped with a display device 30. Hereinafter, the first door 21 may be referred to as door 21.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the upper part of the door as seen from the front, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the upper part of the door as seen from the rear, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the display device of the refrigerator.
As illustrated, the door 201 may include a front panel 21 forming the front surface and a door liner 23 forming the rear surface.
The front panel 21 may be formed of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The front panel 21 may form the entire front surface of the door 201 and may form the front outer appearance of the door 201. The front panel 21 may have an opaque bezel part 212 formed around the perimeter. The bezel part 212 may be formed of an opaque material on the rear surface of the front panel 21. For example, the bezel part 212 may be formed by printing. The bezel part 212 may be formed in a black color.
A see-through part 211 may be formed on the inside of the bezel part 212. The see-through part 211 may be selectively transparent so as to identify food stored in the storage space or the door basket 203. The see-through part 211 may not be completely transparent, and may be coated or a film may be attached so as to appear in the same color as the bezel part 212 while the inside thereof is not visible.
Meanwhile, a display see-through part 211 may be formed on the upper part of the bezel part 212. The display see-through part 211 can be seen through by partially removing the printing of the bezel part 212. The display see-through part 211 may be formed at a position corresponding to the display device 30. Accordingly, the display device 30 may be configured to be visible when the display device 30 is turned on. For example, the display see-through part 211 may be formed at a position corresponding to the display 31 of the display device 30 and in a size corresponding to the position. In addition, it may also be possible for a touch operation of the display see-through part 211 to be transmitted to and inputted into the display device 30.
The door liner 23 may be positioned at the rear, away from the front panel 21. In addition, a liner opening may be formed in the door liner 23. The liner opening may be formed at a position facing the see-through part 211 and may be formed to be the same size as or larger than the see-through part 211.
In addition, the liner opening can be shielded by the rear panel 22. The rear panel 22 can constitute the panel assembly. Therefore, when the panel assembly is mounted, the front panel 21 can form the front surface of the door 201, and the rear panel 22 can shield the liner opening to form a part of the outer appearance of the rear surface the door 201.
A gasket 231 may be provided around the rear surface of the door liner 23. In addition, a door light 27 may be provided on the door liner 23. The door light 27 is arranged on both left and right sides of the liner opening and may extend long in the vertical direction. For example, the door light 27 may be configured so that a plurality of LEDs are arranged on a substrate 277. When the door light 27 is turned on, the door light may illuminate the see-through part 211 from both left and right sides, thereby allowing the space behind the see-through part 211 to be visible.
The door liner 23 may be equipped with a door basket 203. The door basket 203 may be positioned in the inner area of the see-through part 211, and both left and right ends may be fixed to the door liner 23.
The door 201 may further include a frame connecting the front panel 21 and the door liner 23. The frame may form at least a part of the perimeter of the door 201. In addition, the display device 30 may be mounted on the frame.
For example, the frame may include a side frame 24 forming the left and right surfaces of the door, and an upper frame 25 and a lower frame forming the upper and lower surfaces of the door 201.
The upper frame 25 can be connected to the front panel 21, the door liner 23, and the side frame 24. A space can be formed between the front panel 21, the door liner 23, the upper frame 25, and the lower frame, and the space can be filled with insulating material.
The upper frame 25 connects the upper end of the front panel 21 and the upper end of the door liner 2, and may be formed in a step manner. For example, the upper frame 25 may include a first surface 251 that contacts the front panel 21, and a second surface 252 that extends from the lower end of the first surface 251 and is connected to the door liner 23.
The first surface 251 is coupled to the rear surface of the front panel 21 and can support the front panel 21 from the rear. In addition, the second surface 252 can extend rearward from the lower end of the first surface 251. The first surface 251 and the second surface 252 can intersect each other perpendicularly.
The hinge mounting part 253 may be formed on both left and right sides of the upper frame 25. The hinge mounting part 253 may be formed on both left and right sides of the second surface 252. The hinge mounting part 253 may be formed with the same structure on both left and right sides, and the hinge 16 may be mounted on the hinge mounting part 253 on one side of the two sides. Accordingly, the rotation direction of the door 201 may be determined according to the coulping position of the hinge 16. In addition, a mounting part cover 264 may be mounted on the hinge mounting part 253 on one side where the hinge 16 is not mounted.
A display mounting part 254 for mounting the display device 30 may be formed on the upper frame 25. The display mounting part 254 may be recessed into the upper frame 25 and may be opened upward. Accordingly, the display device 30 may be inserted into the inside of the display mounting part 254 from the upper part of the upper frame 25.
The display mounting part 254 may be opened across the first surface 251 and the second surface 252. The display mounting part 254 may be opened forward and may be shielded by the front panel 21. In addition, the display see-through part 211 may be located on the inner side of the display mounting part 254. Accordingly, when the display device 30 is mounted on the display mounting part 254, the display device 30 may be naturally positioned on the display see-through part 211.
The recessed depth of the display mounting part 254 may be formed smaller than the vertical height of the display device 30. The display device 30 may protrude upward while mounted on the display mounting part 254. In other words, the upper end of the display device 30 may be formed to protrude upward more than the second surface 252. In addition, the display device 30 may be configured such that at least the connectors 341, 342 are exposed to the outside of the upper frame 25 while mounted on the upper frame 25.
The display device 30 may include a display 31 and a display PCB 34. In addition, the display device 30 may further include a display case 32, 33.
The display 31 may be placed at the very front of the display device 30 and may be in contact with the rear surface of the front panel 21. The display 31 may be formed to have a size corresponding to the display see-through part 211. For example, the display 31 may be configured as an LCD.
The display PCB 34 is for controlling the display 31 and can be connected to the display 31. The display PCB 34 can be placed at the rear of the display 31 and can be provided inside the display case.
The display PCB 34 can be connected to the control part 15 by the main-electric wire 50. The display PCB 34 can be referred to as a sub-control part or a sub-PCB. In addition, the display PCB 34 can be equipped with a main-connector 341 to which the main-electric wire 50 is connected. The main-connector 341 can be equipped with a plurality of main-electric wires 50 connected, and can be equipped as a single one.
Meanwhile, the display PCB 34 may be connected to at least some of the electrical components 40 provided inside the door 201 by a sub-electric wire 60. To this end, the display PCB 34 may be provided with a sub-connector 342. The sub-connector 342 may be connected to a sub-electric wire 60 connected to each of the electrical components 40. A plurality of the sub-connectors 342 may be provided. The number of the sub-connectors 342 may correspond to the number of the sub-electric wires 60 connected to the display PCB 34.
The main-connector 341 and the sub-connector 342 may be arranged on the same side of the display PCB 34. For example, the main-connector 341 and the sub-connector 342 may be arranged on the upper end of the display PCB. Accordingly, when the display device 30 is mounted on the display mounting part 254, the main-connector 341 and the sub-connector 342 may be exposed to the upper space of the upper frame 25. In addition, the main-electric wire 50 and the sub-electric wire 60 may be easily connected to the main-connector 341 and the sub-connector 342 exposed at the upper end of the door 201. In particular, even when the display device 30 is mounted on the display mounting part 254, the main-electric wire 50 and the sub-electric wire 60 may be easily connected.
In addition, the electrical components 40 can be connected to the control part 15 through the display PCB 34. In other words, the electrical components 40 can be connected to the control part 15 through the display device 30.
Accordingly, the electrical components 40 do not require an electric wire for direct connection to the control part 15. In addition, power and signals transmitted to the display device 30 inside the door 201 through the main-electric wire 50 can be transmitted to the electrical components 40 through the sub-electric wire 60.
In other words, the control part 15 can control the operation of the display device 30 by the main-electric wire 50 as well as a plurality of electrical components 40 connected by the sub-electric wire 60. Accordingly, even if a plurality of electrical components 40 are provided inside the door 201, the number of main-electric wires 50 passing through the door 201 and heading to the control part 15 can be significantly reduced compared to the sub-electric wires 60.
The display case may include a front case 32 and a rear case 33. An accommodation space 321 is formed between the front case 32 and the rear case 33, and the display PCB 34 may be placed within the accommodation space 321. In addition, the display 31 may be mounted on the front surface of the front case 32.
The rear case 33 may be formed with a main-connector opening 331 through which the main-connector 341 is exposed, and a sub-connector opening 332 through which the sub-connector 342 is exposed. Accordingly, even when the display PCB 34 is mounted inside the display case, the main-electric wire 50 and the sub-electric wire 60 can be attached to and detached from the main-connector 341 and the sub-connector 342.
In addition, a screw hole 333 may be formed in the rear case 33. The screw hole 333 may penetrate the rear case 33 and the front case 32 and be fastened to the upper frame 25. Accordingly, the display device 30 may be fixed in a state of being inserted into the upper frame 25.
In addition, the rear case 33 may further be formed with an electrical component mounting part 334 on which some of the electrical components are mounted. For example, a communication device 41 may be mounted on the electrical component mounting part 334. The communication device 41 may be exposed to the space above the upper frame 25 while the display device 30 is mounted on the upper frame 25. Therefore, the communication device 41 may enable smooth wireless communication with a device outside the door 201. The communication device 41 may be, for example, a Wi-Fi module. In addition, the communication device 41 may be provided outside the display case and may be connected to the display PCB 34 by a sub-electric wire 60.
Meanwhile, an electric wire entrance 255 may be opened in the upper frame 25. Sub-electric wires 60 and other electric wires 270, 450 connected to electrical components provided at the lower part of the upper frame 25 may enter and exit through the electric wire entrance 255. The electric wire entrance 255 may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the upper frame 25 and may be provided on both sides with respect to the display mounting part 254. Accordingly, a plurality of sub-electric wires 60 and other electric wires 270, 450 may be entered and exited through the electric wire entrance 255 on the side that is easily coupled with the display device 30.
In addition, a frame cover 26 may be mounted on the upper frame 25. The frame cover 26 forms the outer appearance of the upper end of the door 201 and may shield the upper part of the upper frame 25. In other words, all of the display device 30 placed on the upper frame 25 as well as the main-electric wire 50 and sub-electric wire 60 connected to the display device 30 and related components can be shielded.
The frame cover 26 may include a cover upper surface 261 and a cover rear surface 262. The cover upper surface 261 forms the upper surface of the door 201 and may be in contact with the upper end of the first surface 251 or the upper end of the front panel 21. In addition, a screw may be fastened to the cover upper surface 261, and the screw may pass through the cover upper surface 261 and be fastened to the second surface 252 of the upper frame 25 so that the frame cover 26 is fixed. The cover rear surface 262 extends downward from the rear end of the cover upper surface 261 and may be in contact with the rear end of the second surface 252 or the upper end of the door liner 23.
Meanwhile, the frame cover 26 may have cover recessed parts 263 formed on both sides. The cover recessed parts 263 may be formed at positions corresponding to the hinge mounting parts 253 on both left and right sides. Accordingly, when the door is closed with the hinge 16 mounted, a space in which the hinge 16 and the frame cover 26 do not interfere may be provided. In addition, among the cover recessed parts 263 on both sides, the cover recessed part 263 in which the hinge 16 is not mounted may be shielded by the mounting part cover 264.
The cover recessed part 263 may form both sides of the frame cover 26. In addition, an electric wire opening 265 may be formed on the side of the cover recessed part 263. The electric wire opening 265 may be opened so that the frame cover 26 and the hinge mounting part 253 communicate with each other. Accordingly, the main-electric wire 50 connected to the display device 30 may be introduced into and out of the door 201 through the electric wire opening 265. In addition, the electric wire opening 265 may be opened at a position adjacent to the end part of the hinge 16 so that the main-electric wire 50 may be guided into the hinge 16 at the shortest distance.
Meanwhile, the electrical components 40 placed on the door 201 may be at least one of various sensor devices such as a knock detection device 42 that detects a knock operation of the door 201, a door switch 43 that detects the opening of the door 201, a communication device 41 for wireless communication, and a humidity sensor 44. In addition, the electrical components 40 may further include the door light 27 and a heater 45.
At least some of the electrical components 40 may be provided inside the door 201, i.e., inside the space where the insulating material is arranged. In addition, at least some of the electrical components 40 may be arranged in the upper frame 25. The electrical components arranged in the upper frame 25 may be shielded by the frame cover 26.
Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the arrangement of the electrical components 40 in the door and the arrangement of the electric wires connected to the electrical components 40 and the display device 30 will be examined in more detail.
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating the electric wire connection state at the upper end of the door, FIG. 9 is a view illustrating the electric wire layout of the door, and FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the electric wire connection state of the door and cabinet.
As illustrated, the main-electric wire 50 can be connected to the main-connector 341 of the display device 30. In addition, the main-electric wire 50 can connect the control part 15 and the display PCB 34.
In addition, the main-electric wire 50 may include a first main-electric wire 51 connected to the display PCB 34 and a second main-electric wire 52 connected to the control part 15. In addition, the first main-electric wire 51 and the second main-electric wire 50 may be connected to each other by a connection connector 53.
The connection connectors 53 can be connected to each other inside the upper frame 25. The connection connectors 53 can also be connected to each other on one side of the cabinet 10. Then, when the first main-electric wire 51 is arranged on the door 201 and the second main-electric wire 52 is arranged on the cabinet 10, after the door 201 is mounted on the cabinet 10, the first main-electric wire 51 and the second main-electric wire 52 can be connected to each other by the connection connector 53.
In addition, among the electrical components 40, the communication device 41, the knock detection device 42, the door switch 43, and the humidity sensor 44 can be respectively connected to the display device 30 by the sub-electric wires 60. At this time, the sub-electric wires 60 can pass through the upper frame via the electric wire entrance 255 and be connected to the display device 30. In addition, the electrical components 40 receive power and signals from the control part 15 via the display device 30.
For example, a communication device 41 may be placed on the upper frame 25. The communication device 41 may communicate with an external device and may be capable of transmitting and receiving operation information of the refrigerator 1 and inputting operations through the external device. The communication device 41 may be connected to the sub-connector 342 by a communication sub-electric wire 61. The external device may be a mobile phone.
In addition, the door 201 may be equipped with a knock detection device 42 that detects a knock operation of the front panel 21. The on/off operation of the door light 27 may be input by the knock detection device 42. The knock detection device 42 may be close contact with the front panel 21. In addition, the knock detection device 42 may be connected to the sub-connector 342 by a knock sub-electric wire 63.
In addition, the door 201 may be provided with a door switch 43 that detects whether the door 201 is opened or closed. The door switch 43 may be provided at a position corresponding to the magnet 101 provided in the cabinet 10. When the door 201 is configured with a plurality of doors, the door switches 43 may be configured with a plurality of door switches. In addition, the door switch 43 may be connected to the sub-connector 342 by a switch sub-electric wire 64.
In addition, the door 201 may be equipped with a humidity sensor 44. The humidity sensor 44 may be placed on the frame cover 26 and may detect the humidity of the indoor space in which the refrigerator 1 is installed. The humidity sensor 44 may be connected to the sub-connector 342 by a humidity sub-electric wire 62.
In this way, the communication device 41, the knock detection device 42, the door switch 43, and the humidity sensor 44 can be connected to the display PCB 34 by the sub-electric wires 60, and power and control signals can be transmitted through the display PCB 34. In addition, power transmitted to the display device 30 by the main-electric wire 50 and the control signal of the control part 15 can be transmitted to each of the electrical components 40 after passing through the display PCB 34.
Meanwhile, the refrigerator 1 may further be equipped with a heater 45. The heater 45 is arranged on the front panel 21 and can prevent condensation from occurring on the front panel 21. For example, the heater 45 may be arranged along the perimeter of the see-through part 211.
A heater electric wire 450 may be connected to the heater 45. The heater 45 requires a high voltage for driving due to characteristics thereof, and therefore, an electric wire with a larger capacity than the sub-electric wire 60 may be used. Accordingly, the heater electric wire 450 may be directly connected to the control part 15 unlike the sub-electric wire 60. Accordingly, the heater electric wire 450 may be guided to the outside of the upper frame 25 through the electric wire entrance 255.
The heater electric wire 450 may include a first heater electric wire 451 connected to the heater 45 and a second heater electric wire 452 connected to the connection connector 53. In addition, the first heater electric wire 451 and the second heater electric wire 452 may be connected to each other by a heater connector 453. The heater connectors 453 may be connected to each other in a space above the upper frame 25. When the heater electric wire 450 is connected to the connection connector 53, the display device 30 and the electrical components 40, as well as the heater 45, may be connected to the control part 15 by one connector 53 simply by connecting the connection connector 53.
Of course, the second heater electric wire 452 may be connected to the control part 15 separately, without being connected to the connection connector 53. At this time, the second heater electric wire 452 may be guided to the outside of the door 201 through the hinge 16 and connected to the control part 15 of the cabinet 10.
The door 201 may be equipped with the door light 27. The door light 27 may be equipped on both left and right sides of the see-through part 211. In addition, the door light 27 may include a substrate 27 on which an LED is mounted.
The substrate 277 may extend long in a vertical direction, and a plurality of substrates may be arranged consecutively in a vertical direction. For example, two substrates 277 may be provided on each of the left and right sides of the see-through part 211, and each substrate 277 may be connected by a light electric wire 270.
The LED of the door light 27 may be composed of an RGB LED. The door light 27 may not only be turned on and off but may also output various colors, and the light electric wire 270 required for this may be connected. Accordingly, unlike the sub-electric wire 60, the light electric wire 270 may not be connected to the display device 30, but may be directly connected to the control part 15.
Meanwhile, the light electric wire 270 may include a first light electric wire 271 connected to the door light 27 and a second light electric wire 272 connected to the control part 15. In addition, the first light electric wire 271 and the second light electric wire 272 may be connected to each other by a light connector 274. The light connectors 274 may be connected to each other in a space above the upper frame 25. When the light electric wire 270 is connected to the connection connector 53, the display device 30 and the electrical components 40, as well as the door light 27, may be connected to the control part 15 by one connector 53 simply by connecting the connection connector 53.
Of course, the second light electric wire 272 may not be connected to the connection connector 53 but may be connected separately to the control part 15. At this time, the second heater electric wire 452 may be guided to the outside of the door 201 through the hinge 16 and connected to the control part 15 of the cabinet 10.
A plurality of light connectors 274 may be provided, and the signal line for controlling the door light 27 among the light electric wires 270 and the power line for supplying power may be independently connected.
The control part 15 may control each of the door lights 27 arranged on the left and right sides through the light electric wire 270. In addition, the light electric wire 270 may be branched from the light connector 274 to supply signals and power to the door lights 27 on the left and right sides, respectively. Accordingly, the second light electric wire 272 passing through the door 201 may be kept to a minimum number, and may be branched inside the door 201 so that the first light electric wire 271 may be arranged to the door lights 27 on the left and right sides.
In addition, a control signal can be transmitted to a plurality of substrates 277 that constitute the door light 27. In addition, the signal lines for controlling the plurality of substrates 277 are configured to be minimized.
The light electric wire 270 may further include a third light electric wire 273 connected to the substrates 277. One end of the third light electric wire 273 may be connected to the first light electric wire 271 by a substrate connector 275. The substrate connectors 275 may be provided in a pair corresponding to the door lights 277 on the left and right sides. In addition, the other ends of the third light electric wire 273 may be connected to the substrates 277 constituting the door lights 27, respectively. The substrates 277 may include an upper left substrate 270a, a lower left substrate 270b, an upper right substrate 270c, and a lower right substrate 270d.
In detail, the third light electric wire 273 extending from the substrate connector 275 on one side can be connected to the left upper substrate 270a and the left lower substrate 270b constituting the light door 201 on the left side, respectively. At this time, the signal line 274a extending from the substrate connector 275 among the third light electric wires 273 can be connected only to the left upper substrate 270a. In addition, the left upper substrate 270a and the left lower substrate 270b can be connected to each other by another signal line 274b. In other words, the control signal transmitted from the control part 15 can be transmitted to the left upper substrate 270a by the signal line 274a and to the left lower substrate 270b by the other signal line 274b. The upper left substrate 270a and the lower left substrate 270b can be arranged vertically in series. Accordingly, the signal line 274b can be arranged substantially very short, and can be sufficient to connect the upper left substrate 270a and the lower left substrate 270b that are arranged continuously.
Control of the upper left substrate 270a and the lower left substrate 270b is possible by a single signal line 274a transmitted from the control part 15, and the number of signal lines 274a guided along the door 201 can be minimized.
In addition, the power line and ground line constituting the third light electric wire 273 are respectively connected from the substrate connector 275 to the upper left substrate 270a and the lower left substrate 270b, so that the upper left substrate 270a and the lower left substrate 270b can be connected in parallel with each other.
Meanwhile, the third light electric wire 273 extending from the substrate connector 275 on the other side may be connected to the upper right substrate 270c and the lower right substrate 270d constituting the light door 201 on the right side, respectively. At this time, the signal line 274a extending from the substrate connector 275 among the third light electric wires 273 may be connected only to the upper right substrate 270c. In addition, the upper right substrate 270c and the lower right substrate 270d may be connected to each other by another signal line 274b. In other words, the control signal transmitted from the control part 15 may be transmitted to the upper right substrate 270c by the signal line 274a and to the lower right substrate 270d by the other signal line 274b. The upper right substrate 270c and the lower right substrate 270d can be arranged vertically in series.
In addition, the power line and ground line constituting the third light electric wire 273 are respectively connected from the substrate connector 275 to the upper right substrate 270c and the lower right substrate 270d, so that the upper right substrate 270c and the lower right substrate 270d can be connected in parallel with each other.
Meanwhile, the present disclosure may have various other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, and detailed descriptions and illustrations of the same configurations as the above-described embodiments will be omitted, and only the parts that are different will be described in detail.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure is characterized in that another electrical component provided in the door is connected to the display device.
FIG. 11 is a view schematically illustrating the electric wire connection state of a refrigerator according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.
As illustrated, a refrigerator 1a according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10 forming a storage space and a door 201 for opening and closing the storage space.
A control part 15 for controlling the refrigerator 1a may be formed in the cabinet 10. In addition, the cabinet 10 and the door 201 may be connected to each other by a hinge 16 so that the door 201 may be rotatably connected.
The hinge 16 connects the cabinet 10 and the door 201, and a main-electric wire 50 directed into the inside of the door 201 can be arranged through the hinge 16. The main-electric wire 50 is connected to the control part 15, and can be connected to a configuration inside the door 201 through the hinge 16.
In addition, the door 201 may be equipped with a display device 30 that controls the operating state of the refrigerator 1a. The display device 30 may receive a user's manipulation, and the operation of the refrigerator 1a may be controlled by the user's manipulation. For example, the display device 30 may be a touch LCD.
In addition, the door 201 may be equipped with a plurality of electrical components 46. The electrical components 46 may be composed of various devices capable of transmitting power and signals, such as various sensors that detect humidity, temperature, illuminance, and the user's approach, switches that detect the opening and closing or manipulation of the door 201, heaters, and door lights. In addition, the electrical components 46 may be referred to as electrical devices.
In addition, the electrical component 46 can be connected to the display PCB 34 constituting the display device 30 by a sub-electric wire 60. The display PCB 34 can be equipped with a sub-connector 342 to which the sub-electric wire 60 is connected. The sub-electric wire 60 can be configured in multiple numbers and can vary according to the number and type of the electrical component 46.
In addition, the display PCB 34 may be equipped with a main-connector 341 to which a main-electric wire 50 is connected. The main-electric wire 50 connected to the main-connector 341 may be guided to the outside of the door 201 and may be connected to the control part 15 by passing through the hinge 16.
At this time, the number of the main-electric wires 50 connecting the control part 15 and the display PCB 34 is smaller than the number of the sub-electric wires 60. The power and signal transmitted to the display device 30 through the main-electric wires 50 are transmitted to each of the electrical components 46 through a plurality of sub-electric wires 60 connected to the display device 30, and the electrical components 46 are operated according to the control of the control part 15.
At this time, the electrical components 46 are not limited in number and type, and can be various devices that are connected to the display device 30 by the sub-electric wire 60 and can receive power and signals from the control part 15.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating the electric wiring connection state of the refrigerator.
As illustrated, a refrigerator 1b according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10b forming a storage space, and a door 20b provided on an open front surface of the cabinet 10b to open and close the storage space.
The storage space of the cabinet 10b can be partitioned vertically and can include a refrigerating compartment 11b at the upper part and a freezing compartment 12b at the lower part. For example, the refrigerating compartment 11b can be referred to as a first storage space, and the freezing compartment 12b can be referred to as a second storage space.
The door 20b may include a refrigerating compartment door 201b for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 11b, and a freezing compartment door 202b for opening and closing the freezing compartment 12b. The refrigerating compartment door 201b and the freezing compartment door 202b may be arranged as a pair on the left and right sides, respectively, and each door 20b may be rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10b by a hinge 16b to open and close the storage space.
Meanwhile, at least one of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 201b may be configured as a double door. For example, the refrigerating compartment door 201b may include a main door 2011 for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 11b, and a sub-door 2012 rotatably mounted on the main door 2011.
An opening 2013 may be formed in the main door 2011, and the opening 2013 may be communicated with a door storage space 2014 formed in the main door 2011. In addition, the sub-door 2012 may open and close the opening 2013. For example, the sub-door 2012 may be placed on the inside of the opening 2013.
The sub-door 2012 can be formed of at least a part of a transparent glass material. Accordingly, the inside of the opening 2013 can be seen through even when the sub-door 2012 is closed.
In addition, the door 20b may be equipped with a display device 30b. The display device 30b may be configured to display the operating state or information of the refrigerator 1b. As an example, the display device 30b may be configured as a touch display device 30b into which a touch manipulation is input by a user.
The display device 30b may be provided in the door storage space 2014 and may be visible through the sub-door 2012 when the sub-door 2012 is closed. Meanwhile, the refrigerating compartment door 201b may be provided with a door light 27b that illuminates the inside of the door storage space 2014.
Meanwhile, the display device 30b may include a display PCB 34b. The display PCB 34b may control the operation of the display 31b. In addition, the display PCB 34b may be connected to at least some of the electrical components provided inside the door 20b.
For example, The electrical components may include at least one of the display 31b, a knock detection device 42 that detects a user's knock manipulation, a detection sensor 47 that detects the user's proximity, and the door light 27b.
In addition, the display PCB 34b can be connected to the main PCB 15b by the main-electric wire 50b. The main PCB 15b controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1b and can be provided in the cabinet 10b. The main PCB 15b can be referred to as a main control part. In addition, the main-electric wire 50b can be guided from the door 20b to the cabinet 10b through the hinge 16b to connect the main PCB 15b and the display PCB 34b.
A plurality of electrical components provided in the door 20b are not directly connected to the main PCB 15b, but are connected to the display PCB 34b, and the display PCB 34b is connected to the main PCB 15b. Therefore, power and signals transmitted from the main PCB 15b can be transmitted to the electrical components through the display PCB 34b. In other words, the main PCB 15b is connected to the display PCB 34b and can transmit power and signals to a plurality of electrical components connected to the display PCB 34b, and therefore, the number of electric wires passing through the hinge 16b can be reduced.
Meanwhile, the cabinet 10b may further be equipped with a sub-PCB 34b. The main PCB 15b and the sub-PCB 34b can control electrical components equipped in the cabinet 10b. In addition, the main PCB 15b and the sub-PCB 34b can be connected to each other to transmit power and signals to electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 34b.
In detail, the main PCB 15b may be placed at a location adjacent to the refrigerating compartment 11b. For example, the main PCB 15b may be provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 10b or the upper rear surface of the cabinet 10b.
The main PCB 15b can control electrical components placed in the refrigerating compartment 11b. For example, the electrical components connected to the main PCB 15b can include at least one of a door opening device 102 that pushes and opens the refrigerating compartment door 201b, a refrigerating compartment fan 103 that circulates cold air inside the refrigerating compartment 11b, a heater 104 that operates for defrosting, a refrigerating compartment light 105 that illuminates the refrigerating compartment 11b, a temperature/humidity sensor 106 that detects the temperature/humidity of the refrigerating compartment 11b, and a door detection device 107 that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerating compartment door 201b.
The sub-PCB 34b can be connected to the main PCB 15b by a sub-electric wire 70b. The sub-PCB 34b is provided in the cabinet 10b and can be provided at a location adjacent to the freezing compartment 12b. For example, the sub-PCB 34b can be positioned lower than the main PCB 15b. In addition, the sub-PCB 34b can be provided at the lower part of the rear surface of the cabinet 10b.
The sub-PCB 34b controls a plurality of electrical components provided in the cabinet 10b, and can control electrical components placed in the freezing compartment 12b. For example, the electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 34b may include at least one of a compressor 108, an auto drawer 109 that is automatically drawn in and out of the freezing compartment 12b, a freezer fan 110 that circulates cold air inside the freezing compartment 12b, a heater 111 that operates for defrosting, a freezing compartment light 112 that illuminates the freezing compartment 12b, and a door detection device 113 that detects the opening and closing of the freezing compartment door 202b.
Accordingly, a plurality of electrical components arranged in a position adjacent to the freezing compartment 12b can be connected to the sub-PCB 34b, and do not need to be directly connected to the main PCB 15b which is relatively far away, thereby reducing the length of the electric wires and simplifying the arrangement. In addition, the electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 34b can receive power and signals through the sub-electric wire 70b connecting the main PCB 15b and the sub-PCB 34b.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the wiring connection state of the refrigerator.
As illustrated, a refrigerator 1c according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cabinet 10c forming a storage space, and a door 20c provided on an open front surface of the cabinet 10c to open and close the storage space.
The storage space of The cabinet 10c can be partitioned vertically and can include a refrigerating compartment 11c at the upper part and a freezing compartment 12c at the lower part. For example, the refrigerating compartment 11c can be referred to as a first storage space, and the freezing compartment 12c can be referred to as a second storage space.
The door 20c may include a refrigerating compartment door 201c for opening and closing the refrigerating compartment 11c and a freezing compartment door 202c for opening and closing the freezing compartment 12c. The refrigerating compartment door 201c and the freezing compartment door 202c may be arranged in pairs on the left and right sides, respectively. Each of The doors 20c is rotatably mounted to the cabinet 10c by a plurality of hinges 16c to open and close the door storage space 2014c.
Meanwhile, at least one door 201c of the pair of refrigerating compartment doors 201c may include a main door (not illustrated) that opens and closes the refrigerating compartment 11c and has a door storage space 2014c formed therein, and a sub-door 2012c that is rotatably mounted in front of the main door to open and close the door storage space 2014c, and may be configured as a double door as in the embodiment described above. However, in the present embodiment, the sub-door 2012c is provided in front of the main door. In addition, the sub-door 2012c may block the entire front surface of the main door when closed.
The sub-door 2012c forms the front surface of the sub-door 2012c and may include a panel assembly 21c made of transparent glass material to allow the door storage space 2014c to be seen through.
The sub-door 2012c may be equipped with a display device 30c. The display device 30c may be configured to display the operating state or information of the refrigerator 1c. For example, the display device 30c may be configured as a touch display into which a touch manipulation is input by a user. In addition, the display device 30c may be shielded by the panel assembly 21c and may be positioned so as to be transparent through the front surface of the panel assembly 21c.
In addition, among the doors 20c, the remaining refrigerating compartment doors 201c and freezing compartment doors 202c, excluding the double door, open and close the storage space and may include a door body 28 filled with insulating material and a detachable door panel 29 on the front surface of the door body 28.
The door panel 29 is formed in a plate shape forming the front surface of the door 20c and can be configured to glow in a set color. In addition, the color of the front surface of the door 20c can be determined by the door panel 29.
The first door light 291 may be provided inside the door panel 29. The first door light 291 may include an LED (RGB LED) that emits light of various colors according to the setting. Accordingly, the front surfaces of the door panel 29 and the door 20c may glow in a set color according to the operation of the first door light 291. In addition, the front surface of the door 20c may be changed to various colors according to the user's setting.
Meanwhile, the display device 30c may include a display PCB 34c. The display PCB 34c may control the operation of the display 31c. In addition, the display PCB 34c may be connected to at least some of the electrical components provided inside the door 20c. For example, the electrical components may include at least one of the display 31c, a knock detection device 42 that detects a user's knock operation, and a second door light 27c that illuminates the door storage space 2014c.
In addition, the display PCB 34c can be connected to the main PCB 15c by the main-electric wire 50c. The main PCB 15c controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1c and can be provided in the cabinet 10c. In addition, the main-electric wire 50c can be guided from the door 20c to the cabinet 10c through the hinge 16c to connect the main PCB 15c and the display PCB 34c.
A plurality of electrical components provided in the door 20c are not directly connected to the main PCB 15c, but are connected to the display PCB 34c, and the display PCB 34c is connected to the main PCB 15c. Therefore, power and signals transmitted from the main PCB 15c can be transmitted to the electrical components through the display PCB 34c. In other words, the main PCB 15c is connected to the display PCB 34c and can transmit power and signals to a plurality of electrical components connected to the display PCB 34c. Therefore, the number of electric wires passing through the hinge 16c can be reduced.
Meanwhile, the cabinet 10c may further be equipped with a sub-PCB 70c. The main PCB 15c and the sub-PCB 70c can control the electrical components equipped in the cabinet 10c. In addition, the main PCB 15c and the sub-PCB 70c can be connected to each other to transmit power and signals to the electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 70c.
In detail, the main PCB 15c may be placed at a location adjacent to the refrigerating compartment 11c. For example, the main PCB 15c may be provided on the upper surface of the cabinet 10c or the upper part of the rear surface of the cabinet 10c.
The main PCB 15c controls a plurality of electrical components provided in the cabinet 10c, and can control electrical components placed in the refrigerating compartment 11c. For example, the electrical components connected to the main PCB 15c may include at least one of a door opening device 102 that pushes and opens the refrigerating compartment door 201c, a refrigerator fan 103 that circulates cold air inside the refrigerating compartment 11c, a heater 104 that operates for defrosting, a refrigerating compartment light 105 that illuminates the refrigerating compartment 11c, a temperature/humidity sensor 106 that detects the temperature/humidity of the refrigerating compartment 11c, and a door detection device 107 that detects the opening and closing of the refrigerating compartment door 201c.
The sub-PCB 70c can be connected to the main PCB 15c by a first sub-electric wire 60c. The sub-PCB 70c is provided in the cabinet 10c and can be provided at a location adjacent to the freezing compartment 12c. For example, the sub-PCB 70c can be positioned lower than the main PCB 15c. In addition, the sub-PCB 70c can be provided at the lower part of the rear surface of the cabinet 10c.
The sub-PCB 70c controls a plurality of electrical components provided in the cabinet 10c, and can control electrical components placed in the freezing compartment 12c. For example, the electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 70c may include at least one of a compressor 108, a freezer fan 110 that circulates cold air inside the freezing compartment 12c, a heater 111 that operates for defrosting, a freezing compartment light 112 that illuminates the freezing compartment 12c, and a door detection device 113 that detects the opening and closing of the freezing compartment door 202c.
Accordingly, a plurality of electrical components arranged in a position adjacent to the freezing compartment 12c can be connected to the sub-PCB 70c, and do not need to be directly connected to the main PCB 15c which is relatively far away, thereby reducing the length of the electric wires and simplifying the arrangement. In addition, the electrical components connected to the sub-PCB 70c can receive power through the first sub-electric wire 60c connecting the main PCB 15c and the sub-PCB 70c.
In addition, the sub-PCB 70c is connected to the display PCB 34c by the second sub-electric wire 71c and can receive a control signal from the sub-PCB 70c. The second sub-electric wire 71c can pass through the hinge 16c to connect the sub-PCB 70c and the display PCB 34c.
The first door light 291 provided on the remaining doors, excluding the double door 20c, i.e., the refrigerating compartment door 201c and the freezing compartment door 202c, can be connected to the sub-PCB 70c by the third sub-electric wire 72c. The third sub-electric wire 72c can be arranged to pass through the hinge 16c connected to the refrigerating compartment door 201c and the freezing compartment door 202c.
In addition, the first door light 291 can receive power and signals from the sub-PCB 70c through the third sub-electric wire 72c. Therefore, the first door light 291 can be controlled by the sub-PCB 70c.
By controlling the first door light 291 from the sub-PCB 70c, the load on the main PCB 15c can be reduced, and the main PCB 15c can be simplified and used for common purposes.
FIG. 16 is a view schematically illustrating the wire connection state of a refrigerator according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.
As illustrated, a refrigerator 1d according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include a cabinet 10d forming a storage space and a door 20d for opening and closing the storage space.
The door 20d may be composed of a first door 201d and a second door 202d connected to the cabinet 10d by a hinge 165, 166. The first door 201d and the second door 202d may open and close the storage space by rotation. The first door 201d and the second door 202d may be arranged up and down or left and right.
The cabinet 10d may be equipped with a main PCB 15d that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 1d. In addition, the first door 201d may be equipped with a display PCB 34d. The display PCB 34d may be a component of a display device 30d equipped on the first door 201d.
The display PCB 34d can be connected to the main PCB 15d by a main-electric wire 50d. The main-electric wire 50d is arranged to pass through a hinge 165 that connects the first door 201d to the cabinet 10d, and can transmit power and signals from the main PCB 15d to the display PCB 34d.
In addition, the display PCB 34d can be connected to the first electrical component 471 provided in the first door 201d to supply power for the operation of the first electrical component 471 and provide a control signal. For example, the first electrical component 471 can include a sensor, a camera, a motor, an electrical accessory, or the like.
A sub-PCB 70d may be further provided inside the cabinet 10d. The sub-PCB 70d may be connected to the main PCB 15d by a first sub-electric wire 60d. The first sub-electric wire 60d may transmit power and signals from the main PCB 15d to the sub-PCB 70d.
The sub-PCB 70d can be configured to control a number of electrical components 472, 473 provided in the cabinet 10d or the door 20d.
The sub-PCB 70d can be connected to the second electrical component 472 provided in the second door 202d by a second sub-electric wire 71d. For example, the second electrical component 472 can include a sensor, a camera, a motor, an electrical accessory, or the like. In addition, the second sub-electric wire 71d can be arranged to pass through a hinge 166 connecting the second door 202d and the cabinet 10d. In addition, the second sub-electric wire 71d can transmit power and signals from the sub-PCB 70d to the second electrical component 472.
Meanwhile, the sub-PCB 70d may be connected to a compressor 108, a fan 114 that circulates cold air to the storage space, and a valve 111 that controls the flow of refrigerant. In addition, the sub-PCB 70d may be connected to a third electrical component 473 to control the operation of the third electrical component 473. For example, the third electrical component 473 may include a sensor, a camera, a motor, an electrical accessory, and the like, and may be operated by power and control signals transmitted from the sub-PCB 70d.
In this way, the sub-PCB 70d can reduce the number of electric wire and shorten the length by connecting a plurality of components arranged in the cabinet 10d. In addition, there is an advantage in that even if electrical components 471, 472, 473 are added to the cabinet 10d and the door 20d, they can be connected without additional arrangement of electric wires. In addition, the sub-PCB 70d can reduce noise generation by avoiding overlapping with other electric wires and reducing the length when connecting to a sensitive sensor. Therefore, the use of shield cables or the like can be reduced, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Meanwhile, the present disclosure can be applied to other home appliances equipped with doors in addition to refrigerators as described above. Hereinafter, embodiments in which the present disclosure is applied to other home appliances will be described.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a clothing treatment device according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 is a view illustrating the connection state of the main PCB, sub PCB, and electrical components with the door of the clothing treatment device open.
As illustrated, the clothing treatment device 80 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cabinet 81. The cabinet 81 forms the outer appearance of the clothing treatment device, and a space in which a drum or the like is accommodated is defined inside.
The cabinet 81 may be formed by combining a plurality of panels or by forming the plurality of panels as one piece and then bending them. When the cabinet 81 includes a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels may include at least some of a front panel, a rear panel, an upper panel, a lower panel, and a pair of side panels.
The cabinet 81 may be provided with a clothing input port 811 for inputting clothing into the cabinet. The clothing input port 811 may be formed on one side of the cabinet 81 and may serve as an entrance for a user to input clothing into the cabinet 81.
The clothing input port 811 may be formed on the front or upper surface of the cabinet 81. In other words, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clothing input port is formed on the front surface to adopt a front loading method, but the clothing input port 811 may be formed on the upper surface to adopt a top loading method.
The cabinet 81 may be provided with a door 83 for opening and closing the clothing input port 811. The door 83 may be provided on the cabinet 81 in various ways that allow the opening and closing of the clothing input port 811. The door 83 may be coupled to the cabinet 81 by a hinge 84 so as to be rotatable.
The door 83 can be rotated around a hinge 84 to determine the opening and closing of the clothing input port 811. In addition, the door 83 can maintain the clothing input port 811 in a shielded state by a locking device.
Meanwhile, the door 83 may form a door panel 831 forming the front surface, and a door body 832 forming the rear surface of the door 83. The door panel 831 may be formed in a circular plate shape. In addition, the door body may be in contact with an edge of the door panel 831 and may be positioned at the rear side of the door panel 831. The door panel 831 and the door body 832 may be coupled to each other. In addition, a part of the door body 832 may be connected to the hinge 84. The door panel 831 may be formed in a flat shape to form a part of the outer appearance of the front surface of the clothing treatment device 80. In addition, the door body 832 may be formed to protrude rearwardly, and may be inserted into the inside of the clothing input port 811 when the door 83 is closed. In addition, the protruding perimeter of the door body 832 can come into contact with the perimeter of the clothing input port 811.
In addition, the door panel 831 may be configured to glow with a set color. The door panel 831 may be configured as a plate-shaped panel and may be formed of a material that allows light to pass through. In addition, the door 83 may be provided with a door light 833 to emit light toward the door panel 831. For example, the door light 833 may be arranged along the edge of the door panel 831 or the door body 832.
The door light 833 may include an LED (RGB LED) that emits light of various colors according to the setting. Accordingly, according to the operation of the door light 833, the door panel and the front surface of the door 83 may glow in a set color. In addition, according to the user's setting, the front surface of the door 83 may change to various colors.
In addition, the door panel 831 and the door body 832 are formed of a transparent material so that the inside of the clothing input port 811 can be seen when the door light 833 is off.
In addition, the door 83 may be further equipped with electrical components as needed. For example, the electrical components may include sensors, cameras, motors, electrical accessories, or the like.
Meanwhile, the cabinet 81 may include a tub 821 that forms a space for containing water therein, and a drum 822 provided inside the tub 821. The drum 822 may contain clothes for washing therein, and may be rotated by a motor. The tub 821 and the drum may communicate with the clothes input port 811 and exposed to the outside through the front surface of the cabinet 81 when the door 83 is opened.
In addition, the cabinet 81 may be equipped with a display device 851. The display device 851 may display the operating state of the clothing treatment device 80. In addition, the cabinet 81 may be equipped with a manipulation part 852 for manipulating the operation of the clothing treatment device 80. The manipulation part 852 and the display device 851 may be configured as one part, if necessary.
Meanwhile, the cabinet 81 may be equipped with a main PCB 86. The main PCB 86 may control the overall operation of the clothing treatment device 80. For example, the main PCB 86 may control a motor for driving the drum 822, and may be configured to control various devices for performing washing or drying, such as valves for water supply and drainage, and steam generating devices.
In addition, the cabinet 81 may further be equipped with a sub-PCB 85. The sub-PCB 85 may be connected to the main PCB 86 by a main-electric wire 861, and power and signals may be transmitted to the sub-PCB 85. The sub-PCB 85 may be placed adjacent to the hinge 84. In addition, the sub-PCB 85 may be placed closer to the hinge 84 than to the main PCB 86.
The sub-PCB 85 can be connected to the electrical components provided in the door 83 by a sub-electric wire 850 and control the electrical components. For example, the electrical component can be a door light 833. In addition, the electrical component can further include a sensor, a camera, a motor, an electrical accessory, or the like. In addition, the electrical component can further include the display device 851. In addition, the sub-PCB 85 can be a display PCB that controls the operation of the display device 851 as a component of the display device 851. In addition, the sub-PCB 85 can be a manipulation part PCB that controls the operation of the manipulation part 852 as a component of the manipulation part 852.
The sub-electric wire 850 passes through the hinge 84 and is guided to the inside of the door 83, and can be connected to the electrical components inside the door 83. For example, the door light 833 can receive power and control signals from the sub-PCB 85 by the sub-electric wire 850.
The sub-PCB 85 transmits power and control signals only to the electrical components provided in the door 83 of the clothing treatment device 80. Therefore, the number and thickness of the sub-electric wires 850 passing through the hinge 84 can be minimized, and the number and length of the electric wires connected to the electrical components can be minimized.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a clothing treatment device according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 20 is a view illustrating the connection state of the main PCB, sub PCB, and electrical components with the door of the clothing treatment device open.
As illustrated, the clothing treatment device 90 according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure has the outer appearance of a rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a cabinet 91 forming a space in which clothing is stored, an electrical part 93 installed at the lower side of the cabinet 91, and a door 92 for opening and closing the front surface of the cabinet 91.
In order to spray steam into the cabinet 91, a steam part is installed inside the electrical part 93, and steam can be sprayed into the inside of the cabinet 91 through a steam discharge part 912 provided inside the cabinet 91. In addition, a hanger on which clothes are hung can be hung on the hanger part 911, and at least a part of the hanger part 911 moves in the left and right direction to induce a motion of shaking the clothes, thereby causing dust and the like on the clothes to fall downward.
The door 92 can shield the cabinet 91 from the front and form the outer appearance of the front surface of the clothing treatment device 90. The door 92 is connected to the cabinet 91 by a hinge 97 and can be rotatably mounted. The open front surface of the cabinet 91 can be opened and closed by the rotation of the door 92.
In addition, the door 92 may include a door body 921 that opens and closes the front surface of the cabinet 91, and a door panel 922 provided on the front surface of the door body 921. The door panel 922 forms the outer appearance of the front surface of the door 92 and may glow in a set color.
The door panel 922 may be formed of a plate-shaped panel and may be formed of a transparent material to allow light to pass through. In addition, a door light 923 is provided on the door 92 to emit light toward the door panel 922. At this time, the door light 923 may include an LED (RGB LED) that emits light of various colors according to the setting. Accordingly, the door panel 922 and the front surface of the door 92 may glow in a set color according to the operation of the door light 923. In addition, the front surface of the door 922 may be changed to various colors according to the user's setting.
In addition, the door panel 922 may include a display device 98. The display device 98 may display the operating state of the clothing treatment device 90. The display device 98 may be at least partially shielded by the door panel 922. In addition, the display device 98 may be visible to the outside through the door panel 922.
Meanwhile, the cabinet 91 may be equipped with a main PCB 95. The main PCB 95 may control the overall operation of the clothing treatment device 90. In addition, the door 92 may be equipped with a sub PCB 94. The sub PCB 94 may be connected to the main PCB 95 by a main-electric wire 951, and may transmit power and signals to the sub PCB 94. In addition, the main-electric wire 951 may be guided from the cabinet 91 to the door 92 through the hinge 97.
The sub-PCB 94 can be provided within the door body 921 and can control the electrical components by being connected to the electrical components provided in the door 92 through sub-electric wires 941, 942.
For example, the electric component may include the door light 923. The door light 923 may be placed on the door 92 and may emit light toward the panel 922. For example, the door light 923 may be placed at the lower end of the door 92 and may be connected to the sub-PCB 94 by a first sub-electric wire 941.
As another example, the electrical component may include the display device 98. The sub-PCB 94 may be connected to the display device 98 by a second sub-electric wire 942. The display device 98 may be disposed at the rear of the door panel 922 and may be visible to the outside by seeing through the door panel 922. As an example, the display device 98 may be selectively visible through the door panel 922 according to an on/off state. In addition, the sub-PCB 94 may be a display PCB that is a component of the display device 98, and the sub-PCB 94 may control the operation of the electrical component of the door 92 and the display device 98. In this case, the second sub-electric wire 941 may be omitted. In addition, the display PCB can be connected to the door light 923 by the first sub-electric wire 942.
The electrical components may further include sensors, cameras, motors, electrical accessories, or the like. In addition, the electrical components may be provided in the door 92.
A plurality of the electrical components can receive power and control signals from the sub-PCB 94 through the sub-electric wires 941,942 within the door 92. In addition, the sub-PCB 94 can be connected to the main PCB 95 through the main-electric wires 951 to receive power and signals.
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent all wires for controlling the electrical components provided in the door 92 from passing through the hinge 97, and to minimize the number of electric wire passing through the hinge 97. In addition, the overall length of the electric wires connected to the electrical components can be shortened.

[Industrial Applicability]

A refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has high industrial applicability because it can improve assembly efficiency and reduce production costs by efficiently arranging wires.

Claims

A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet forming a storage space;

a main control part provided in the cabinet;

a door opening and closing the storage space;

a display device provided in the door and connected to the main control part; and

an electrical component provided in the door;

wherein the display device is connected to the main control part by a main-electric wire passing through the door, and

wherein at least one of the electrical components is connected to the display device by a sub-electric wire and receives power and signals from the main control part through the display device.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the number of main-electric wires is provided smaller than the number of sub-electric wires.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the display device includes:
a display;

a sub-control part controlling the display;

a main-connector which is provided on the sub-control part and to which the main-electric wire is connected; and

a sub-connector provided on the sub-control part and to which the sub-electric wire is connected.
The refrigerator of claim 3,
wherein the number of sub-connectors is formed greater than the number of main-connectors.
The refrigerator of claim 3,
wherein the main-connector is configured as a single connector and the sub-connector is configured as a plurality of connectors.
The refrigerator of claim 3,
wherein a hinge connected to the cabinet is provided at the upper end of the door, and

wherein the main-connector and the sub-connector are both provided at an upper end of the sub-control part, and the main-electric wire is guided along the hinge.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the door includes:
a front panel forming a front surface;

a door liner disposed at a rear side spaced from the front panel and forming a rear surface;

a frame connecting between the front panel and the door liner; and

an insulating material filled in a space between the front panel, the door liner, and the frame; and

wherein the display device is mounted on the frame, and the main-electric wire and the sub-electric wire are connected to the display device at the frame.
The refrigerator of claim 7,
wherein the frame includes:
a first surface contacting the front panel, and

a second surface extending rearwardly at a position lower than an upper end of the first surface and is coupled with the door liner, and

wherein a recessed display mounting part is formed on the second surface so that the display device is inserted therein.
The refrigerator of claim 8,
wherein the display device protrudes upward more than the display mounting part, and

wherein the main-electric wire and the sub-electric wire are connected to an upper end of the display device exposed to the outside of the frame.
The refrigerator of claim 9,
wherein a frame cover that shields the display device, the main-electric wire, and the sub-electric wire is provided at the frame.
The refrigerator of claim 10,
wherein a hinge mounting part on which a hinge connected to the cabinet is mounted is formed on the frame, and

wherein an electric wire opening which opens to communicate with the hinge mounting part and through which the main-electric wire enters and exits is formed at the frame cover.
The refrigerator of claim 11,
wherein the hinge mounting part is formed on both sides of the frame, and

wherein the electric wire opening is formed on both sides of the frame cover and communicates with the hinge mounting parts on both sides, respectively.
The refrigerator of claim 7,
wherein the front panel is formed of a glass material, and

wherein the display device is disposed to see through the front panel.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the electrical component is at least one of a knock detection device for detecting a knock operation of the door, a detection switch for detecting the opening of the door, a communication device for wireless communication, and a sensor device.
The refrigerator of claim 14,
wherein the electrical component is a heater that is provided in the door and generates heat to prevent condensation, and

wherein the heater is directly connected to the main control part by a heater electric wire.
The refrigerator of claim 14,
wherein the electrical component is a door light provided on the door to illuminate a rear space of the door, and

wherein the door light is directly connected to the main control part by a light electric wire.
The refrigerator of claim 16,
wherein the door light includes a plurality of substrates equipped with LEDs, and

wherein the light electric wire includes:
a main signal line connected to one of the plurality of substrates, and

a sub signal line connecting between the plurality of substrates and transmitting a signal input to the main signal line.
The refrigerator of claim 17,
wherein a plurality of door lights are provided,

wherein the light electric wires include:
a plurality of first light electric wires each connected to the plurality of door lights; and

a second light electric wire connected to the main control part, and

wherein the plurality of first light electric wires are joined by a light connector on the inside of the door and then connected to the second light electric wire.
The refrigerator of claim 1,
wherein the main-electric wire includes:
a first main-electric wire connected to the display device; and

a second main-electric wire connected to the main control part, and

wherein the first main-electric wire and the second main-electric wire are connected to each other by a connection connector on the inside of the door.